USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 56
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59
LEON P. JANKIEWICZ, M. D.
Although he began practice in Utica only three years ago Dr. Leon P. Jankie- wiez has met with such a friendly reception that he is now firmly established and is one of the most prosperous young physicians in Oneida county. He is a native of Prussian Poland, born April 11, 1881, a son of Peter and Theresa
645
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Jankiewicz. Mr. Jankiewicz, Sr., emigrated to America with his family in 1885 and located at Utica where he became the owner of a grist mill. He is now living retired in this city.
At the age of four years Leon P. Jankiewicz arrived in Utica with his parents and in the public schools of this city he secured excellent advantages of edu- cation. Having shown special ability as a student, he entered St. Jerome's Col- lege of Berlin, Canada, from which he was graduated in 1902. Soon afterwards he went to Baltimore, Maryland, and became a student of the Baltimore Medical College from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1906. He served as interne in the General Hospital at Baltimore for one year and in 1908 returned to Utica where he opened an office and attracted from the start a lucra- tive clientage. He is now serving as visiting physician to Faxton Hospital and is examining physician for the Polish National Alliance and a number of other societies. Professionally he is connected with the Oneida County Medical So- ciety. Hle engages in general practice and being endowed with rare talent, per- severance and energy, is greatly respected by all who come within the circle of his influence.
Politically Dr. Jankiewicz is in sympathy with the platforms of the republi- can party but he votes independently and is in no respect a partisan. He was reared in the Catholic church and is a member of the Holy Trinity church of Utica. He is active in professional and social affairs, being a member of St. Jerome's Alumni Association and the Baltimore Medical College Alumni Asso- ciation. As an evidence of his success in practice it may be stated that his cash fees in 1910 were three thousand four hundred and ninety dollars and in 1911, about five thousand dollars. He has invested in real estate in Utica and New York Mills and is now in a position to look confidently forward to a bright future professionally and financially. His office and residence is at No. 142 Whitesboro street, Utica.
FREDERICK COATS DOOLITTLE.
Frederick Coats Doolittle, cashier in the banking house of Charles Green, Son, Brainard & Company, at Waterville, was born in Buffalo, New York, De- cember 13. 1847. a son of Charles and Eliza Mary (Coats) Doolittle, and a grand- son of Samuel Doolittle, who was born at Shaftsbury, Vermont, November 1, 1780, and died August 4, 1865. The latter was married October 11, 1806, to Rebecca Lloyd, who was born March 1, 1784, in Rhode Island, and died in March, 1862. Samuel and Rebecca Doolittle were parents of Charles Doolittle, who was born September 23, 1807, and passed away August 20, 1867. On the 21st of February, 1833, Charles wedded Eliza Mary Coats, who was born at Voluntown, Connecticut, February 21, 1811, and who died at Buffalo, January 1, 1861.
In the acquirement of his education Frederick Coats Doolittle attended the Buffalo high school and a private school at Sherburne, New York. He began his business career as a bookkeeper with the firm of White & Smith, commission
646
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
merchants and bankers at Sherburne, and when the first train of the Bingham- ton division of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railway went through he acted as ticket agent and sold the first ticket at the Sherburne office. In 1883 he came to Waterville in the interest of the Hop Extract Company with whom he continued for fourteen years. Hle then engaged in the produce commission business in Syracuse and New York until he became associated with Charles Green, Son. Brainard & Company, bankers of Waterville, being appointed cashier in 1907.
On the 21st of February, 1871, in Sherburne, New York, Mr. Doolittle wedded Emma Gertrude Ilill, a daughter of Augustus Devillo and Minerva A. (Aldridge) Hill. The father was born at Brockport, New York, November 27, 1821, and there died June 26, 1864. He was married in Victor, Ontario county, New York, February 22, 1848, and his wife died May 15, 1867. Their daughter, Mrs. Doolittle. was born at Brockport, March 1, 1851, and by her marriage be- rame the mother of two children. The son, Alexander White Doolittle, now residing in Utica, was born in Sherburne, March 22, 1872, and was married June 29, 1897, to Virginia Storrs. a daughter of William M. and Harriet (Butterfield) Storrs. Unto this marriage have been born four children: Dorothy Storrs, who was born in Utiea. December 1, 1902, and died February 20, 1906; Rosmary, born June 14, 1907: Alexander Butterfield, born April 25, 1910; and Frederick Storrs. born October 30, 1911. Elizabeth Doolittle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Doolittle, was born in Sherburne, October 10, 1874, and on January 20, 1897, was married to Charles Green Brainard and their children are: Charlotte Doolittle, born April 14, 1900; Charles Green, Jr .. November 8, 1902; and Eliza- beth Alden, February 12, 1906.
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Doolittle hold membership in the Presbyterian church. In polities Mr. Doolittle is an independent republican. A man of quiet fortitude, commanding the respect and esteem of his associates and friends, he possesses most admirable qualities. ITis wife is a devoted mother and home- maker. Their handsome home stands at the head of Livingstone Hill command- ing a fine view of the town and surrounding country and its appointments be- speak the quiet refinement of its owners.
CAPTAIN DELOS M. JOHNSON.
Captain Delos M. Johnson, who passed away in Utica on the 14th of Febru- ary, 1902, was known as a successful hotel man throughout practically his entire business eareer and for a number of years prior to his demise condueted the famous Bagg's Ilotel of this city. He was born at Oppenheim, Fulton county, New York, on the 20th day of June, 1844, his father being James Johnson, an inn keeper of long experience.
When a youth of fifteen our subjeet secured employment in a general store at St. Johnsville, New York, previous to which he was a newsboy on the trains of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted as a private and was assigned to Battery A. First New
D. M. JOHNSON
649
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
York Light Artillery, with which battery he served during the entire war being mustered out with the rank of captain at Elmira, New York, when the war closed. Shortly after the cessation of hostilities he became steward of the Man- hattan Club in New York city. In 1869 he took up his abode in Utica and opened the New York Central dining rooms, a few years later taking the pro- prietorship of the Butterfield House. In 1875 he disposed of his interests in Utica and removed to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he conducted the Reed House and Lake Shore & Michigan Central Railway dining rooms until 1888, when he moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he conducted the Atlantic Hotel but returned to Utica, in 1890 having purchased Bagg's Hotel.
Mr. Johnson was married to Fannie L. Woodruff, daughter of A. Louis and Eliza (Benedict) Woodruff, January 9, 1872, at Utica, New York. There were born to them three sons: William T., Tom W. and Delos M., Jr.
Mr. Johnson was a member of all the Masonic bodies and took an active in- terest in their work. He possessed a genial manner, cordial spirit and kindly disposition, which won for him an extensive circle of friends.
CHARLES H. SEARLE.
It is seldom, indeed, that death is not an unwelcome visitor, and when he claimed Charles H. Searle, January 19, 1911, the people of Utica, irrespective of religious belief or political bias, felt that the community had suffered a loss which time could never repair. As a lawyer and citizen Mr. Searle was regarded with universal admiration and affection and expressions of condolence from all parts of central New York gave evidence of the respect entertained for him as a man of noble and unselfish character. He was born in Leonardsville, Madison county, New York, June 23, 1842. He received his preparatory education at Whitesboro and Cazenovia, intending to enter the class of 1868 at Hamilton Col- lege. In the spring of 1864, however, he enlisted as first lieutenant of Company D of the One hundred and eighty-ninth Regiment, New York State Volunteers, and served until the regiment was mustered out in 1865. Upon returning home he entered college, but in December, 1867, left college and commenced the study of law at Rome. Later he returned to Hamilton College and was graduated in 1869. He then resumed the study of law at Syracuse and was admitted to the bar in 1870. After practicing for a short time at Leonardsville he removed to Utica and associated with Daniel Ball under the title of Ball & Searle. After the death of Mr. Ball he practiced most of the time alone at Utica with offices in the Martin building. From the start he showed a capacity and an interest and enthusiasm in his work which gave brilliant promise as to his success in one of the most arduous of all professions. He possessed a good analytical mind, strong powers of presenting a case before court or jury and the courage and confidence so necessary in meeting and overcoming obstacles which arise in daily contact with men.
Politically Mr. Searle gave his support to the republican party but he was never a politician in the sense of seeking office or following the dictates of Vol. 11-29
650
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
political leaders. In 1888 he was nominated independently for mayor and made a highly ereditable canvass although there were two regular organizations against him. In 1890 he was chosen school commissioner and served for two terms, covering a total period of six years. During this time he rendered highly important service to the city and as chairman of the committee on teachers in- sisted that appointment to the teaching force should be made only after exam- ination of candidates-a principle which has been adopted in many leading schools of the state. He always did what he felt to be for the best interests of children and the cause of education regardless of unjust criticism. In the fall of 1907 he was again chosen for the responsible office of school commissioner and gave to the city his best services, being rarely absent from a meeting of the board except on account of illness. Although a very busy man, he found time to visit the schools and was always welcome, often taking advantage of the oppor- tunity to deliver addresses, which made a lasting impression upon the minds of the children. It was under his administration and largely due to his efforts that kindergarten schools were first established in Utica. In April, 1898, he was ap- pointed police and fire commissioner by Mayor Kinney, but the demands of his profession were so strong that he was obliged to decline, greatly to the disap- pointment of the mayor and people.
In December, 1876, Mr. Searle was married to Miss Annie Marilla Pier, who died in 1879, leaving one son, Homer Wellington, who is now living at Utica. On the 18th of June, 1885, Mr. Searle was again married, his second union being with Miss Alice L. Hotchkiss, of Phelps, New York, and to this union three daughters were born: Alice Lucretia, who married Harold Wilson Symonds, of Utiea, and has one son, Charles Searle Symonds; Annie Pier, the wife of Ilarold H. Murray, of Utica, and Ruth, who resides with her mother. Mr. Searle was a member of Bacon Post, No. 53, G. A. R., and no man was ever more friendly to old soldiers or more willing to make sacrifices in their behalf. Many of his best addresses were delivered before gather- ings of veterans of the Civil war and their friends. He was recognized as one of the most eloquent orators of the state. Even while in college he wrote several orations, which were later published and used as declama- tions in schools. He was a good lawyer and a friend who could be relied upon in every emergency. Ile was a lover of his fellowmen and by his sincerity, faith- fulness to right and devotion to duty set an example well worthy of imitation not only by the present but by future generations.
GEORGE HENRY STACK.
George Henry Staek, treasurer of the Utica Gas & Electric Company and prominent in the public life of the city and in its charitable and philanthropic work, was born at Smyrna, Chenango county, New York, September 10, 1865. For a number of years he was a resident of Sherburne and was educated at the Sherburne high school. While still attending school he learned telegraphy and was employed as operator at Sherburne and at various points on the
٧ رامي
GEORGE H STACK
T:
653
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, and in the Western Union Tele- graph office at Utica. In 1883 he was appointed train dispatcher for the Lackawanna Railroad at Utica and five years later was made chief dispatcher, continuing in that position until 1901, except for about a year at Scranton, when he filled a similar position with the same company. In 1901 he was connected with the Albany & Hudson (third rail electric) Railway Company at Rensselaer, New York, and the following year was offered the superintend- ency of that line but declined the proffered position, having other plans which culminated in the organization of the Utica Gas & Electric Company in May of that year, at which time he was elected treasurer, in which position he still continues, and as manager of the financial interests of the company has contributed largely to its success. He is also a director and the treasurer of the Central New York Power Company and also treasurer of the Glens Falls Gas & Electric Light Company, the United Gas, Electric Light & Fuel Com- pany of Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, New York, and of the Consolidated Light & Power Company of Whitehall, New York. As an executive officer he displays keen insight into business situations with an understanding of possi- bilities that enables him to correlate and coordinate forces, bringing about a harmonious working whole. He is a member of the Utiea Chamber of Com- merce.
On the 1st of May, 1889, at Waterville, New York, Mr. Stack was married to Miss Mary L. Hamill, a daughter of John Hamill, a prominent farmer of that section. Their children are: Elizabeth M., now a senior at Barnard College; Alice Rose, a member of the freshman class of the College of New Rochelle; and Mary Bernadette, who is a student in the Utica schools.
Mr. Stack is a member of St. John's church and of the societies connected therewith and is much interested in the church work and the extension of its influence. He has been more or less active in the public life of the com- munity and his influence has always been on the side of progress, reform and improvement. In politics he is a democrat and in 1893-4 represented the tenth ward of Utica on the board of supervisors. Ile served for seven years as a member of the board of charities, having been first elected to that posi- tion in 1900, and acted as its chairman from 1905 until 1907 inclusive. Dur- ing his service on the board the old Utica City Hospital was remodeled and transformed from a place of detention to a modern up-to-date hospital with all the requisite equipment and is today the General Hospital of Utica. The medical staff appointed constitutes leading physicians and surgeons of the city and they have rendered valuable public service in their gratuitous work for the city's poor. Mr. Stack was an active member of the general com- mittee for the erection of a new St. John's Orphan Asylum which was organ- ized in February, 1909. He became one of the treasurers of the building fund and was also a member and secretary of the building committee. In the Knights of Columbus he has attained state-wide prominence. He be- came a charter member of Utica Council, No. 189, K. C., which was instituted in September, 1896, and served as its first recording secretary, successively filling the position of deputy grand knight and grand knight, and also repre- senting his council several times in the state conventions of the order. He
65ł
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
is a man of action rather than of theory and his labors are always resultant factors in any task which he undertakes. While perhaps he does not reach his ideals, he never fails of successful accomplishment for his energy, determi- nation and enthusiasm carry all before him.
ABRAM II. WEAVER.
In the death of Abram H. Weaver, Oneida county lost one of her representa- tive and worthy citizens who was numbered among her native sons. Ile was born in Deerfield, this county, on the 13th of June, 1849. The first representa- tive of the name in Deerfield was George J. Weaver, who in 1773 eame up the Mohawk river with Captain Mark Damouth and Christian Reall, settling at The Corners. It was a wild distriet into which they penetrated, the forests being uncut and the land undeveloped. The red men were far more numerous than the white settlers and in 1776 the Indians drove them baek and burned the improvements which they had made upon their land. Afterward Mr. Weaver was taken prisoner near Herkimer, for the Revolutionary war was in progress and the Indians, as allies of the British, waged war upon the settlers. Hle was carried to Quebee and thence taken to England, where he remained for more than two years ere he was exchanged. In 1784 the three men again set- tled at Deerfield Corners, and George M. Weaver, Jr., was the first white male child born in that town, his birth occurring JJanuary 15. 1787. His life record spanned ninety years, for his death occurred in 1877.
The parents of Abram H. Weaver were George F. and Margaret A. Weaver, the father owning and cultivating a farm at Deerfield, upon which the subject of this review spent his boyhood days. Good educational privileges were ae- corded him. He had the advantage of attending school in Utica and after the completion of his eourse he followed the occupation of brick making in con- nection with his father and later turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. In 1881 he purchased a farm in Marcy, where he resided until 1892, when he took up his residence on the old homestead of his unele, Abram Weaver, for whom he was named. Ilis property always showed forth the best methods of farming and his energy and sound judgment were manifest in the excel- lent appearance of his place.
On the 21st of November, 1877, Mr. Weaver was united in marriage to Miss Matilda IIarter, a daughter of Richard and Rachel Harter and a native of Deerfield. Unto this marriage was born a daughter, Florence R., whose birth occurred June 20, 1880, and who is a graduate of the Utiea Advanced high school.
Mr. Weaver lived a well spent, honorable and useful life. Ilis entire rec- ord was in harmony with his profession as a trustee of the Baptist church of Deerfield, in which he served for many years. Both his wife and his daughter hold membership in the Tabernacle church of Utica and are well known so- cially in this part of the county. Mr. Weaver gave his political allegiance to the republican party but never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate
ABRAM H. WEAVER
A
-
٢
א
657
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
his energies upon his business affairs and giving his leisure to the enjoyment of home life. He died September 9, 1906, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. It seemed as if he should have been spared for many years to eome but fate de- ereed otherwise and in his passing Oneida county lost a loyal and representa- tive eitizen, his associates a faithful friend and his family a devoted husband and father.
ROBERT IIENRY ROBERTS.
Robert Henry Roberts, a well known dairy farmer of Westdale, who now owns and manages the old Roberts homestead, was born in Steuben, New York, August 17, 1865, his parents being Robert R. and Ellen (Williams) Roberts. Both parents were natives of Wales and on coming to the United States settled in Utica, New York, about 1840. There the father followed the occupation of farming until his removal to Steuben, where he lived until 1861. In that year he came to Florence and purchased two hundred and twelve aeres of land, upon which his son Robert now resides. There he carried on general farming, bring- ing his fields under a high state of cultivation, and as the years passed by his labors were erowned with golden results, showing that the methods he pursued were praetieal and progressive. IIe died on the 27th of June, 1874, and for about fourteen years was survived by his wife, who passed away on the 2d of April, 1888. His political faith was that of the republican party and his religious belief that of the Congregational church, in which his wife also held membership. Unto them were born eight children, namely: William II., de- ceased; Ann, the wife of Thomas Pritchard, of Broekton, Massachusetts; John, residing in Buffalo, New York; Jane, deceased; Robert IIenry, of this review; Griffith, of Camden, New York; Mary and Thomas, both of whom have passed away.
Robert Henry Roberts is indebted to the schools of Florence for the eduea- tional privileges which he enjoyed. His practical business training was received upon the homestead farm and under the direction of his father. In later years he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old place and is today the owner of that property, which is now a valuable tract of land. The buildings upon it have been erected by him and the farm presents a neat and tasteful ap- pearance, forming one of the attractive features in the landscape. Ilere he carries on dairy farming, keeping high grade cows and finding for his dairy products a ready and profitable sale on the market.
On the 12th of April, 1883, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hart, who was born in Belleville, Canada, October 27, 1861, and is a daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth (Knowland) Hart, of Williamstown, New York. The father was born near Rome, Oneida county, and the mother's birth oeeurred near Shannonville, Canada. He became a farmer and in early life removed to Shannonville, where he met and married Miss Kuowland. Subse- quently they became residents of Williamstown, where Mr. Hart is now living, but his wife passed away July 9, 1898. His study of the political situation of
658
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
the country led him to give his support to the republican party and his rule of conduet in life is found in the teachings of the Presbyterian church, of which he has long been a devoted member. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been born six children, as follows: Robert and Clarence J., both deceased; Claude II., at home ; Ellis, who has also passed away ; and Eva and Clinton E., both at home.
Mr. Roberts is a believer in republican doctrines but has never been active in politics, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs. Ile has served, however, as a school trustee and is a warm friend of the cause of education. He attends the Presbyterian church at Westdale and is known throughout the community as a reliable citizen whose word can be depended upon in business matters and whose cooperation is a tangible asset in public affairs.
HENRY WILBER BENTLEY.
Ilenry Wilber Bentley was a man who wore his honors with becoming mod- esty and yet honors were his in large measure. He was quiet and unassuming in manner, yet there entered into his life the distinctive and unmistakable elements of greatness, of nobility and sterling worth. He was endowed with a rugged honesty of purpose, was a man of independent thought and action and one whose integrity was so absolute as to compel the respect and confidence of all with whom he was associated. ITis life was, indeed, a serviceable one, for he stood in the foremost rank of the legal fraternity in Oneida county and yet gave also of his time and talent for the public welfare.
A native of Madison county, New York, Mr. Bentley was born in De Ruyter, September 30, 1838, his parents being General Zadock T. and Caroline (Gard- ner ) Bentley. The father was a man of considerable prominence in Madison county and was regarded as one of the advisers of Colonel Seymour, to whom he also stood in the relation of a warm personal friend. Ile long held a promi- nent place in the councils of the democratic party and was a man whose ability enabled him to pass beyond the point of medioerity and stand among the suc- cessful and honored few. He removed with his family to Morrisville when his son Henry W. was but five years of age and the latter pursued his education in the Union school of that place, in the Yates Polytechnic Institute at Chittenango and in Judd's private school at Berkshire. He then took up the profession of teaching, which he followed successfully in Morrisville, Eaton and Madison, but, thinking to find in the practice of law a broader field of labor, he pursued his studies for a time under his father's direction and in 1859 accepted the position proffered him by Judge Foster of Rome as managing clerk for the law firm of Foster, Johnson, Boardman & Lynch. Hle was afterward associated in a similar capacity with Pomeroy & Southworth of Rome, the firm enjoying an extensive practice so that Mr. Bentley's experience there was broad and varied.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.